STORY: :: People in Austin share their mixed feelings as Tesla’s self-driving robotaxis start showing up in the city
:: June 24, 2025
:: Austin, Texas
“I think they’re pretty cool. I just feel like there have been so many accidents when it comes to like Teslas and stuff like that that are also self-driving that I feel like it’ll probably have the same issues.”
“What If the computer malfunctions or you get into an accident? You know, how do you, how do you? Does it call for help for you right away? Do you, do you have to do something? How do you, you know, you get out? It’s a, do you have to, have the license insurance? How does it work? That safety is my, would be my, biggest thing.”
“My thoughts are actually about the jobs that they’re taking away from cab drivers. But I am interested in the idea of AI driving as long as it’s safe.”
Tesla started a limited, paid robotaxi test service and deployed a dozen or so self-driving cars in Austin, Texas on Sunday (June 22).
The tightly controlled pilot comes as Tesla and rivals like Waymo face scrutiny over the safety and future of autonomous ride-hailing on U.S. roads.
